The Raglan Community Board met Thursday this week to identify priority projects between now and the end of the term to plan for their final 90 days before the local elections kick off in July 2022.
(Listen to the full interview below:)
Raglan Ward Councillor Lisa Thomson says that long-term projects like the wharf upgrade will continue on as planned but the board doesn’t have much time left in the term to start anything new.
“It's really tying up loose scenes and getting things done as much as we can because I'm unsure who will be standing again from the community boards.”
With nominations opening up in July for local government positions, come October this year, the Whāingaroa community could have new members sitting on the community board.
Lisa has declared her interest in standing for a third term as Raglan Ward Councillor and adds that, “I hope a number of them [current members] stand again for that continuity and there's still lots of work to be done. Three years isn't enough time, particularly with those projects that we've got underway currently.”
While she expects the majority of the current members to stand again, Lisa could not confirm.
Manu Bay Breakwater
With a number of stakeholders having interest in the breakwater issue, a meeting has been set up by Tim Clarke for late May to discuss the ongoing issues. This hui will be the first in-person meeting following months of delays due to the pandemic.
The old Manu Bay breakwater was replaced in 2015 when the end section of the previous structure started to fail in late 2014. Since the replacement breakwater has been in place there have been a number of safety issues affecting users of the boat ramp.
The breakwater exists to prevent water and rocks from going over the structure where boats and jetskis are launching on the other side; however, the current design doesn’t prevent these issues from occurring and these problems have been a source of concern since 2015.
Discretionary Fund
Lisa encourages members of the community to apply to the discretionary fund if they have an idea for a project that would benefit the wider Whāingaroa community. The fund exists for the community and, due to a recent review, the Community Board members have more discretion around who they award the funds to.
A great example of a community project is ‘My Mental Health Toolbox’ by local Ruby Gibbs. She received funding to print a booklet featuring tools for mental health which is distributed free through businesses in town.
Rapid Antigen Test (RATs) Contactless Collection: Whāingaroa.
The Whāingaroa Covid-19 Response Team is pleased to announce that from Monday 23 May, 2022, the contactless collection point for Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) will be outside Surfside Church Foodbank, 36 Bow St, Raglan.
Please note: the Raglan Rugby Grounds RATs collection site is now closed.
What do you need to do?
You still need to pre-order your RATs online before coming to pick them up.
Pre-order your RATs from: https://requestrats.covid19.health.nz/ or 0800 222 478 (option 3) from 8am to 8pm.
What days and time is the collection site open?
Contactless collection times for RATs are Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9.30am -11.30am.
You will see the RAT signage outside the Foodbank.
Please text 021 072 0454 letting us know you have arrived to collect your RATs. Alternatively, give us a wave from outside. We will be watching out for you! Once you arrive your RATs will be placed on the table outside for you to collect.
Please make sure you wear a mask at all times when collecting your RATs.
If you are unable to collect your RATs on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday between 9.30am -11.30am, please leave a message on 021 072 0454 and we will get back to you.
What if I can’t pre-order my RATs?
Kei te pai. That's okay. Please call 021 072 0454 and we can help you through the process of pre-ordering.
What if I can't pick up my RATs?
No problem! Please call 021 072 0454 and leave a message. We will work out a solution with you. It might mean we ask a volunteer to drop them off, for instance.
I still have some questions about getting a RAT
Please call on 0800 Raglan or 021 072 0454 if you have any questions about how to get your RAT.
Kia kaha - be strong, kia maia - be brave, kia haumaru - be safe.